Famvir is used to treat herpes zoster (shingles) and genital herpes. Famvir does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching, helps sores to heal, and prevents new ones from forming.
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HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION
Take famciclovir exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. • Treatment with famciclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). • Take each dose with a full glass of water. • Famciclovir can be taken with or without food. Taking famciclovir with food may decrease stomach upset. • Take all of the famciclovir that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. • Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions. • Store famciclovir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
SIDE EFFECTS
Stop taking famciclovir and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives). • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take famciclovir and talk to your doctor if you experience · nausea or vomiting, · a headache, · diarrhea, · dizziness, · tingling in your hands or feet, or · itching. • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. Order Famvir
PRECAUTIONS
Do not take famciclovir if you are allergic to penciclovir (Denavir) without first talking to your doctor. • Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with famciclovir. • Famciclovir is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take famciclovir without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. • It is not known whether famciclovir passes into breast milk. Do not take famciclovir without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. • The safety and effectiveness of famciclovir have not been established for children younger than 18 years of age.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Probenecid (Benemid) may increase the effects of famciclovir and lead to dangerous side effects. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking probenecid. • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with famciclovir. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. Order Famvir
MISSED DOSE
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH
Seek emergency medical attention. • A famciclovir overdose has no known symptoms, but an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a similar drug, may cause seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage (decreased urine production).
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